ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 27 JULY 1894

THE COTTAGE HOSPITAL

We have been requested to state that the following articles are wanted for use at the Cottage Hospital, gifts of which will be acknowledged through the Press:—Double iron bedstead and bedding, furniture for nurse’s room, blinds for kitchen and one ward, bedroom ware, cretonne and pegs for wardrobe, sheets, blankets, quilts, pillow cases, toilet covers, towels, kitchen towels, table cloths, forks, spoons, small knives, for lady superintendent, table napkins, kitchen table cloths, tea cups and saucers, plates (white, if new), pie dishes, spoons for patients and the household, jugs, glasses, and two galvanised pails.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO — 25 JULY 1919

PEACE CELEBRATIONS — REJOICING AND CARNIVAL IN TOWNS AND VILLAGES

“I am weary ff your quarrels, weary of your wars and bloodshed, weary of your prayers for vengeance, of your wranglings and dissensions; all your strength is in your union, all your danger is in discord; therefore be at peace henceforward, and as brothers live together.”

These words describe the feeling in the inmost hearts of very many in this country, and it was with the hope that there would be peace at home and abroad before many days that they took part in the celebrations on Saturday that marked the conclusion of hostilities between the Allied Powers and the German Empire. So far as the western half of Hampshire was concerned the only drawback to the rejoicing of the day was caused by the untimely succession of rain showers, which interfered with the anticipated enjoyment of the children in particular, and caused a great deal of anxiety to those who were responsible for the carrying through of the arrangements. With the bells ringing, the bands playing, the sports, and the community gatherings round the dinner and tea tables, it took more than showers to spoil the day, especially as old and young alike felt at last that the shadows were lifting, and if it had not turned into clear day at all events it was appreciably less dark, and there were indications of the full brightness of peace and goodwill approaching. Those who had given their lives in the task that had been forces upon the liberty loving nations for the past five years were not forgotten in the proceedings of the day, and perhaps it was the recollection of the price at which the demon of strife had been checked that made the peace celebrations more earnest and sober, for there very little of the spirit that marked the conclusion of the South African quarrel observable anywhere.

SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 28 JULY 1944

PRAISE FOR A.R.P. WORKERS

Some interesting comments on the work of the Air Raid Precaution Services, following the explosion of what was described as a “Doodle Bug” in a Southern village the previous week-end, was made at the monthly meeting of the Rural District Council, in which the village is situated, on Friday.

Reporting on the incident, the Clerk of the Council said he felt that the Rescue Squads both from a Town and the Region did extraordinarily well. The Women’s Organisations, too, did awfully well, but he felt that the highlight was the behaviour of the village people.

The Rural District A.R.P. Controller also commented on the splendid behaviour of the villagers. The A.R.P. Services would be able to study the incident, and make any improvements they thought fit to make their various organisations perfect. He felt that the various services did well, but a First Aid Point was needed in every village. The casualties were seen to at the Rest Centre, which worked extraordinarily well. He agreed with what had been said about the Rescue Services, particularly those from a Town. These were not paid men. He was also very grateful to the work done at the Report Centre.

It was stated that there were 26 people in the Rest Centre that night (night of the incident).

Mention was made of the storage of furniture, and it was revealed that a local farmer had allowed loads of furniture to be stored on his premises immediately.

FIFTY YEARS AGO — 25 JULY 1969

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for wiring electronic assembly and coil winding for our modern pleasantly situated Factory in Andover. Experience desirable but not essential as training will be given.

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Compiler’s note: Advertising jobs solely for men or women was outlawed by the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, mother than in certain bona fide situations.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 29 JULY 1994

IT’S 50- 1!

The people of Andover and district have decisively rejected any plan for a merger with Basingstoke.

In our issue of 28 June we asked readers for their reaction to the two options proposed by the Local Government Commission.

The response was enormous.

As returns this week topped the 2,000 mark it became overwhelmingly clear — by a majority of more than 50-1 — that Andover wants no part of a shotgun wedding with Basingstoke.

Figures on Monday, with a few opinion poll forms still coming in, were 2,004 votes received.

For Option A, leaving the system very much as it is and retaining Test Valley Borough Council — 1,966.

For Option B, a merger with Basingstoke to form a new single tier council — 38.